In Massachusetts and throughout the nation, an increased number of families currently face housing insecurity. With rising rent often outpacing wages, finding affordable housing is becoming increasingly tough. This challenge is especially significant for pet owners, as pet-friendly rentals are uncommon and usually include higher fees and discriminatory pet policies.
Approximately 39% of rental units in Massachusetts allow dogs, with only 7% allowing dogs regardless of breed, weight, or size. For units with additional fees, 69% of tenants surveyed by the MSPCA-Angell reported that these surcharges for pets hinder their ability to secure housing. As a result, housing-related problems are among the top reasons for the surrender of a pet.
But there's hope! The MSPCA-Angell is committed to keeping pets and families together by creating more pet-inclusive housing. The new “Action for Pet-Inclusive Housing: Keeping Families Together” initiative tackles this pressing issue head-on. And thanks to donor support, the MSPCA-Angell has hired a Housing Policy Specialist to help navigate these challenges effectively.
At the recent annual Lobby Day for Animals at the Massachusetts State House, the MSPCA-Angell advocated for more pet-inclusive housing options by engaging with state legislators about two crucial bills: S.1022/H. 1559: An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets, and H. 1476: An Act to codify pet-friendly elderly housing policies and ensure pet parity across housing authorities. These bills would expand pet-inclusive policies in state-aided housing, put a reasonable cap on surcharges for pets, and prevent insurance companies from canceling or refusing to issue policies based on a dog's perceived breed.
Lobby Day for Animals is an annual event at the State House where advocates — new and experienced — come together to hear about pending legislation, learn about influencing elected officials, and meet directly with their own state senator and state representative. It's also an excellent opportunity for networking and collaborating with others who are dedicated to improving the lives of animals and their human companions.
If you are interested in working with the MSPCA-Angell to enhance animal protection laws, please visit mspca.org/advocacy or email advocacy@mspca.org. There are a range of opportunities to get involved, from quick actions to more in-depth participation through the Community Advocacy Leader program. Help make a difference starting today!
For more information on our advocacy work and how you can get involved, visit mspca.org/advocacy.
